Sweethearts
Sweethearts are charming, buttery cookies filled with currant jelly, perfect for Valentine's Day or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of crisp texture and fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and egg yolk together.
- Gradually add sugar, then flour, until the batter is firm enough to handle with your fingers (not sticking).
- Make small flat balls from the batter.
- Use the round end of a wooden clothespin to make an indentation (a small well) in the center of each ball.
- Pat currant jelly inside the well of each cookie.
- Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 325°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar, which adds a hint of molasses. If you prefer a different fruit, swap currant jelly for raspberry or apricot preserves. Ensure your butter is softened for easier creaming, and chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to handle. This will help in forming the balls and maintaining their shape during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Sweethearts are delightful with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon snack. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. They also pair wonderfully with fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving alongside Inez Lewis' Pralines for a sweet platter full of variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sweethearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend freshness for up to two weeks. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their original texture without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweethearts contains roughly 582 calories, with 20g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of jelly for this recipe?
Absolutely! While currant jelly is traditional, you can use any fruit jelly or preserve you prefer, such as raspberry, strawberry, or even orange marmalade. Each will give a unique flavor to the cookies, so feel free to experiment!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticking to your fingers, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Alternatively, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to handle.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing the formed balls of dough. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking for fresh cookies anytime!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).